The residential is a self-esteem and confidence building course for YCS who are part of the Richmond Carers Centre. As an additional programme to Richmond Young Carers core service, the residential will provide respite for YC’S caring roles while also enhancing their personal development and boosting their self-esteem so they feel more confident.

The course will be run by a local outdoor centre, who we ran a pilot scheme with in early 2016. The residential will involve 4 team building exercises outdoors split over the duration of the two days. At the end of each day the young carers will gather with the support worker for an overview of the day and facilitate pastoral group discussions on how they can put into practice the new skills they have learnt into their daily lives.

What we'll deliver:

• To teach the young carers a range of skills linked to personal development
• To boost the self-esteem, confidence and resilience of young carers.
• To facilitate discussions so young carers can talk to peers and professionals about their issues
• To provide young carers with respite care and an opportunity to enjoy themselves

Why it's a great idea:

RCC-YCS is a charity that currently supports around 400 young carers aged 5-18years living in Richmond Borough. These are all young people whose lives are impacted by the care needs of a family member due to illness, disability, mental health condition or substance misuse. Many take on practical responsibilities and medical or personal care for their relative. The long term impacts for young carers are well documented and show that young carers can struggle with friendships and relationships as a result of their caring role. They are also more likely to develop their own mental health condition or long-standing illness.

Steps to get it done:

• Gather effective feedback and check outcomes have been acheived
• Allocate young carers who are in particular need of respite or confidence building
• Plan pastoral activities to use during downtime.